Continuing Education Exemption

PURPOSE: This rule sets forth the exemptions from continuing education requirements in certain circumstances. (1) A licensee unable to complete the requisite number of continuing education hours because of personal illness or other circumstances beyond the licensee’s control may apply for an extension of time to complete the continuing education requirements. Any extension of time to complete the continuing education requirements shall be granted solely at the discretion of the committee. (A) The licensee shall submit a written request for any extension of time prior to the deadline for completion of the continuing education requirement. (B) The written request shall include documentation of the grounds supporting the reason(s) for which an extension is sought. (2) A Missouri professional counselor licensed prior to July 1 of an even year shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for that renewal year. (3) A Missouri licensed professional counselor shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements if currently licensed in another state and in compliance with that state’s continuing education requirements. (4) Pursuant to section 41.946, RSMo, a person who is called to full-time active duty in the service of United States under competent orders shall, during the period of full-time active duty, be exempted from any such requirement for continuing education or training without his/her status, license, certification, or right to practice his/her trade or profession being affected and shall not be required, upon returning from full-time active-duty, to make up or retake any training or education for which he/she was exempt under the provisions of this section. AUTHORITY: section 337.618, RSMo Supp. 2008.* Original rule filed Nov. 21, 2008, effective May 30, 2009. *Original authority: 337.618, RSMo 1989, amended 1997, 2001, 2005, 2007.